The Otago Athletics Champs were held at the Caledonian recently and Columba College had a number of athletes competing for their clubs, attracting spectator attention across a number of track and field events. Results from these champs, as well as recent athletic official meets, highlight the success of our students in this fantastic summer sport.

Columba College is extremely proud of our students who dedicate many hours of their spare time to master the skills and fitness requirements for their chosen sports. Columba students have always featured strongly when it comes to athletics, and this year's Otago Athletic Championships highlighted the dedication, commitment, and success of many students who shone brightly in their events. 

Columba had a number of students competing in the Otago Champs and official club meets over recent weeks, both from our junior and senior schools. With the number participating, it is difficult to name them all, however, some athletes deserving special mention are:

Year 9 students Harlow and Sadwe, and Year 8 student Isabella, combined with their teammates to set a new Otago 4x100m relay record! Fantastic effort, girls!

Inspiring Year 12 throwing athlete Alex, yet again dominated in her shot put, discus, hammer, and javelin events, receiving gold medals with throws of 11.85m (shot put), 37.82m (discus), 35m (hammer), and 38m (javelin). What an absolute star! 

Lyla (Year 10), Lila (Year 11), Sadwe (Year 9), Kiana (Year 10), Shanti (Year 10), Olivia (Year 9), Harlow (Year 9), Tila (Year 10), and Year 11 students Imogen and Melanie, all featured prominently on the track, with many of our students medalling in running events this season. Tila, Olivia, and Heidi (Year 12) also performed exceptionally well in their field events of long jump, high jump, and triple jump. There are sure to be others from Columba left off this list that deserve recognition too! 

Year 7 student Honor, formed a formidable team with relay pals, and recently set a new Otago 4x100m relay record beating the previous time by a whopping 2.5 seconds. With new PBs in the long jump and high jump this season, this is a student who has a bright future in the sport!

There are many more students, especially from our middle and junior school who regularly train and compete in athletics at the Caledonian. What a wonderful sport to be involved in, a great way to stay active over the summer months, and a fun way to master the skills of throwing, jumping, and running! 

Great mahi, Columba! With a bit of luck, the sun will be shining this coming Monday 27th February for the annual Columba College Athletics Day at the Caledonian. 

Thanks to John at Hill City Athletics who kindly agreed to share these photos from their Facebook page of Columba athletes in action.